Newspaper Prayers: Tuesday, August 8th

When President Trump ordered federal agencies to form teams to dismantle government regulations, the Transportation Department turned to people with deep industry ties.

One appointee had previously lobbied the department on behalf of American Airlines. Another held executive roles for several electric and hybrid car companies regulated by the department. A third was a lawyer who represented United Airlines in regulatory matters.

The three appointees have been identified by The New York Times and ProPublica in a continuing effort to track members of the deregulation teams. The appointments, previously unreported, follow a pattern identified by the two news organizations: By and large, the Trump administration has stacked the teams with political appointees, some of whom may be reviewing rules their former employers sought to weaken or kill.

The congressmen cited a recent investigation by The Times and ProPublica revealing that members of the deregulation teams have included lawyers who represented businesses in cases against government regulators, staff members of political dark money groups and employees of industry-funded organizations opposed to environmental rules.

Readings from the Sermon on the Mount for Tuesday, August 8, 2017

The greatest prayer that has ever been given to humanity begins with these words: “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6.9).

Let’s not miss the importance of calling God, “Father.” The term, “Father,” assumes a personal relationship. Jesus teaches us that God is not an impersonal force, but a very personal Being who can be experienced in the same way we relate to a human father or mother. It is quite natural to both speak to and listen to an earthly parent. Jesus teaches us that the same is true when we communicate with God.

To hallow our Heavenly Father’s name means to set his name apart as special and important. A person’s name refers to his or her reputation. When we speak with our Heavenly Father, our first prayer is to ask that God’s reputation match his magnificent character. We pray for his reputation on the earth be a reflection of is character.

Prayers for Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Dear God, thank you that you have revealed yourself as personal and approachable. Your character is magnificent, beyond the limits of language!